Snow Peas

Also known asMangetout · Chinese Pea Pods · Pisum sativum var. saccharatum · 荷兰豆

Name: Snow peas, also called mangetout or Chinese pea pods (Pisum sativum var. saccharatum), described here from the legume side. A separate page under Vegetables also covers them as a pod vegetable.

Description

Snow peas are an edible-podded pea, with a thin, flat pod and tiny seeds, eaten whole while young, so they are used as a vegetable more than a legume. They have been grown in Europe and Asia for centuries, and are especially popular in Chinese stir-fries. The name mangetout is French for “eat all.”

Because the peas are tiny and underdeveloped, snow peas deliver far less protein than shelled green peas, but are lower in sugar and starch and have more fibre per bite, and a crisp, sweet, fresh flavour.

Main nutrition value

Snow peas provide vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, iron and fibre, with some plant protein, and are low in calories.

How best to be consumed

Snow peas are quick to cook, and best crisp.

1. Trim the ends and pull off any tough string, then stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes with garlic and ginger.
2. Blanch briefly for salads, or eat raw with dips.
3. Add to noodle dishes, soups and stir-fries in the last minute.
4. Store in the fridge, and use within a few days.
5. Do not overcook, which turns them dull and soft.

Overconsumption could cause…

Snow peas are safe and healthy in food amounts.

1. Bloating and gas from the fermentable carbohydrates in legumes, particularly if you are not used to eating them, so build up gradually and drink water.
2. Allergic reactions in a small number of people allergic to legumes.
3. Tough strings that should be removed.
4. A choking risk for very young children from whole pods.

GroupsPeasPods, Beans and PeasLegume familyLow fatLow sodiumRich in vitamin CRich in vitamin KFresh

Related foodsSugar Snap PeasGreen PeasBlack-Eyed PeasFrench BeansGreen BeansLong Beans / Yardlong Beans

Wikipedia — Snow pea, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_pea